Cost of Living in Washington DC
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Washington DC is among the most expensive destinations in the USA, outranked only by a handful of cities. It is therefore important that expats moving to Washington negotiate a suitable employment package to offset their expenses. Here are some of the major costs expats can expect to encounter while living in Washington DC.
Cost of accommodation in Washington DC
Accommodation costs in Washington are generally quite high. The average one-bedroom apartment will cost around USD 1,800 per month. However, as the city is home to lots of young professionals and university students, there are also a number of cheaper accommodation options such as studio apartments and house shares on offer.
Cost of transport in Washington DC
Luckily, there isn’t much need for a car in Washington, especially if living close to the city centre. Most expats opt not to have a car and use public transport or cycle to work instead. The cost of using public transport is based on the number of zones travelled, so those travelling long distances will find themselves shelling out a fair amount to do so. To save on travel costs, it's a good idea to purchase a weekly or monthly travel card.
Cost of entertainment and eating out in Washington DC
There are lots of opportunities to enjoy nightlife, entertainment and eating out in Washington but prices are high and these leisure expenses do add up over time. However, for those on a budget or looking to save their hard-earned dollars, there are lots of free cultural activities available in Washington which can really enhance the quality of one's experience without breaking the bank.
Cost of education in Washington DC
Expats relocating to Washington with children will also need to factor in the cost of schooling. While expat children are eligible to attend public schools within zone boundaries, many expat parents choose to send their children to private or international school. Fees at these schools can be extremely high, so expat parents would be wise to double check that their budget can accommodate this cost.
Cost of living in Washington DC chart
Prices may vary depending on product and service provider. The list below shows average prices for Washington DC in February 2019.
Accommodation (monthly) |
|
One-bedroom apartment in city centre |
USD 2,100 |
One-bedroom apartment outside of city centre |
USD 1,700 |
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre |
USD 4,000 |
Three-bedroom apartment outside of city centre |
USD 2,800 |
Shopping |
|
Eggs (dozen) |
USD 3.20 |
Milk (1 litre) |
USD 0/90 |
Rice (1kg) |
USD 4.50 |
Loaf of white bread |
USD 3.50 |
Chicken breasts (1kg) |
USD 14.50 |
Pack of cigarettes (Marlboro) |
USD 9 |
Eating out |
|
Big Mac meal |
USD 8 |
Coca-Cola (330ml) |
USD 2 |
Cappuccino |
USD 4.50 |
Bottle of beer (local) |
USD 6 |
Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant |
USD 70 |
Utilities/household |
|
Mobile call rate (per minute – mobile to mobile) |
USD 0.20 |
Internet (uncapped ADSL or cable – average per month) |
USD 55 |
Basic monthly utilities (includes electricity, water and refuse) |
USD 150 |
Transportation |
|
Taxi rate per km |
USD 1.30 |
Bus fare in the city centre |
USD 2.50 |
Gasoline/petrol (per litre) |
USD 0.70 |